MIDDLEBURY, VT - The Smith College basketball team used a balance effort to defeat Middlebury College (10-5), 65-52, at Pepin Gymnasium, led by a 22-point third quarter that created a decisive gap. Notably, this victory marks the best start in program history, with Smith achieving a remarkable 13-0 record. The Bears capitalized with 24 points in the paint and a strong defensive rebounding effort, securing 31 defensive boards.

The Bears opened the game with a jumper by Hannah Martin (North Andover, MA/North Andover), setting the tone for a competitive first quarter. Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett) contributed with a layup at 8:00, assisted by Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest), to push Smith's lead to 4-0. Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep) was instrumental, scoring two consecutive baskets, including a layup at 7:30 and a jumper at 6:25, extending Smith's advantage. Despite a late surge by the Panthers, capped by a 3-pointer from Islay Moore at 5:22, Smith held a narrow 15-13 lead at the end of the period, with Middlebury closing the gap through a fast-break layup and free throw by Teagan Lind at 1:02.

Margot Newman opened the second quarter for the Panthers with a three-pointer, assisted by Gabby Stuart, giving them a 16-15 edge at the 9:49 mark. Smith briefly regained the lead after Mya Williams (Temple City, CA/Bishop Amat Memorial) converted two free throws. However, a layup by Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove) put the Bears ahead 19-18 with 7:24 remaining. Calie Messina's three-pointer at 2:49 put Middlebury back on top, 23-19. Teagan Lind's three-pointer with 15 seconds left extended Middlebury's lead to 26-22, which they maintained until the end of the quarter. The Panthers outscored Smith 13-7 in the quarter.

Smith took control in the third quarter, starting with Sylvester's free throws and layup to tie the game at 26-26. Selam Maher (St.Louis Park, MN/St. Louis Park) then connected on a three-pointer, followed by Johnson's three-pointer, giving Smith a 34-29 edge. Fongemie contributed with a layup and two free throws, extending the lead to 38-32. Middlebury responded with scores from Gabby Stuart and Teagan Lind, leveling the score at 38-38. However, Maggie Fleming's (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove) clutch three-pointer with two seconds remaining, assisted by Martin, secured a 44-41 lead for the Bears at the end of the quarter.

In the fourth, the Smith extended their lead with strong performances from Uta Nakamura (Manhattan, NY/Long Island Lutheran) and Johnson. Nakamura scored a layup and a three-pointer within the first two minutes, contributing to a 10-0 run capped by Fleming's layup at 8:31, pushing Smith's lead to 54-43. Despite a three-pointer from the Panthers' Newman at 6:27, Smith continued to dominate. Johnson iced the game by hitting a three-pointer with one minute remaining, followed by four consecutive free throws in the final minute, ending the quarter with a 65-52 victory.

Smith Top Performers  
Virginia Johnson (Minneapolis, MN/Southwest)  
----------------------  
- 10 points  
- 4/4 free throws made  
- 6 rebounds  

Maggie Fleming (Downers Grove, IL/Downers Grove)  
----------------------  
- 7 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 2 steals  

Ella Sylvester (Everett, WA/Everett)  
----------------------  
- 8 points  
- 7 rebounds  

Felicia Fongemie (Ashford, CT/Marianapolis Prep)  
----------------------  
- 10 points  
- 4 rebounds  

Up Next
Smith begins its conference season on Saturday, January 17 at Coast Guard. Tip-off is slated for 1:00pm

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log onto GoSmithBears.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram